Tyldesley told All About Soap: "Eva's very fond of Eric, and in the short time he's been in their lives, he's become something of a father figure to her. They're getting on like a house on fire, and she feels quite sorry for him because all the women around him seem to be after his money!"

She continued: "[Eric's invite is] very tempting for Eva! She's just as bad as the other women and she loves money as well. She's always dreamed of being treated like the princess that she is. However, she also has a heart and reminds herself that Eric's her grandma's man."

Tyldesley added: "She goes to break the news gently, but instead finds him dead at the Rovers bar! She's devastated. Eric was so kind to her and was the first person in a long time to see past her brash exterior."